Champion golfer Ryan Fox showcases Claret Jug in hometown celebration

Golf's famous Claret Jug is back in New Zealand, and many who witnessed newly crowned major champion Ryan Fox hold the trophy aloft on Tuesday in downtown Auckland were not born the last time the silverware was won by a New Zealander 63 years ago.Fox's victory at the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale last week was dramatic - sinking a 12-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole - and mayor Wayne Brown ranked this achievement alongside the likes of America's Cup victories, golf successes by Fox's predecessors and contemporaries through to the Commonwealth Games gold medal won in the pool by Lewis Clareburt just hours before when announcing Fox to a hometown crowd of thousands at Takutai Square.The Claret Jug has been put into an overhead luggage compartment and then flew at the front of plane, as Fox made the long and winding journey from Southport, England to Aotearoa to be able to share his first major title win.The son of an All Black, Fox also took the Jug into camp with the All Blacks on Monday to take a swig of beer from.Beer is not the only liquid to be consumed from the trophy in the past week. Fox and family enjoyed a fitting beverage - red wine - from it and the champion's 8-year-old nephew apparently also took a sip of water from it.The storied silverware has been in many places, as 91 golfers took possession of it before Fox, and while a stage sandwiched between hotels near Auckland's waterfront during office workers' lunch break might be one of the more unremarkable places it is been showcased, it is hoped that some in the crowd will have been inspired.Ryan Fox poses with the Claret Jug in front of fans in Takutai Square.Alan Lee / PhotosportSome had stumbled upon the public celebration for the 39-year-old, others got in early to line the green astroturf carpet that had been rolled out for Fox to walk along, while others took to rooftops and office balconies that overlooked the square to see golf's version of a ticker tape parade.Fox appeared from around a corner to walk up to the stage, a bit different to walking to the final hole on a golf course on the other side of the world, but there were similarities. Supporters lined either side of the turf carpet and politely clapped or held their phone up to capture the moment that they were that close to the Champion Golfer of the Year carrying the Claret Jug.Under a sunny sky and surrounded by his family - including his wife, two daughters and parents - and his coach Marcus Wheelhouse, Fox faced his fans.Ryan Fox carries the Claret Jug back with daughter Isobel after the welcome home celebration in Takutai Square.Alan Lee / PhotosportHe wanted to celebrate in New Zealand, even if looking out into a large crowd and soaking up the moment made him slightly uncomfortable.Golf NZ acting chief executive officer Gregg Thorpe called Fox's win "a landmark moment for golf in New Zealand".Thorpe knew the impact this latest major win for a New Zealander could have for golfers young, and slightly older, and who could dare to dream about what is possible when the stars align and determination, combined with talent, pays off.Fox is only the fourth New Zealander to win a major golf championship, joining Sir Bob Charles, who won the Open Championship in 1963, Michael Campbell and Dame Lydia Ko.Ryan Fox holds the Claret Jug as he waits to attend the welcome home celebration in Auckland.Alan Lee / PhotosportAnswering questions on stage, Fox traversed golf's history in New Zealand and his links to the other Kiwi champions.He was a teenager when Campbell won the US Open in 2005 and that moment inspired Fox to take his golf more seriously.Dame Lydia video called Fox after his Open Championship win - a conversation he treasured.Golf fans on the other side of the world are getting a reputation for being rowdy on the course, but in Auckland most fans kept their distance until Fox tried to leave the stage at the end of the celebration. Then they crowded their hero wanting his signature on printed photos, golf balls and other merchandise.Fox handled himself well as he moved out of the spotlight and down a back alley.He will leave New Zealand soon - after doing some fishing on Wednesday - to return to his home in Florida with the real and replica Claret Jug in tow.As he told the crowd who had taken time off school, out of the office or made the trip into the city to see him, he does not know if America will treat him differently now or if can still fly under the radar."I know at golf tournaments there is going to be a whole lot more interest, there's going to be a whole lot more scrutiny on how I play and everything like that. I seem to be the face of the pace of play brigade in golf at the moment, completely unintentionally... I'm looking forward to getting back on tour it will be a very different vibe but I've said it a few times this was always the dream and if I'm not prepared to live with the consequences good and bad of it, it shouldn't have been a dream in the first place so I'll roll with the punches in that regard."